The Walt Disney Company to Acquire Maker Studios, the Leading Network of Online Video Content

With a goal of bringing more online content to consumers across platforms, The Walt Disney Company has agreed to acquire Maker Studios, the leading network of online video content on YouTube.

As part of the purchase, Maker Studios shareholders will receive a performance-linked earn-out of nearly $450 million if performance targets are met.

The acquisition of Maker Studios will help Disney bring more content to its customers, as Maker has more than 55,000 channels, 380 million subscribers, and 5.5 billion views per month on YouTube.

“Short-form online video is growing at an astonishing pace and with Maker Studios, Disney will now be at the center of this dynamic industry with an unmatched combination of advanced technology and programming expertise and capabilities,” said Robert A. Iger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company.

This deal also means Disney will gain advanced technology and business intelligence regarding customers’ interaction with videos, including Disney content.

The transaction is subject to regulatory clearances but is expected to close in Disney’s third fiscal quarter.